This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a savory masterpiece that delivers bold flavors in every bite. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch meld together for a satisfying texture that’s both hearty and indulgent. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, it’s a fuss-free dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Rich and comforting, this casserole combines smoky, cheesy goodness with a touch of zesty ranch for a mouthwatering experience. Each forkful is a delightful balance of creamy and crispy, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whip it up in under an hour, and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless—keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cubed (or use shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter (or substitute with olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use unsweetened almond milk for a lower-fat alternative)
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (1 oz salad dressing mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head, steamed until tender)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
- 2 cups cheddar jack cheese, divided (or use any shredded cheese blend you prefer)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chicken: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until no longer pink. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the ranch mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper into the heavy cream until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: To the bowl with the cooked chicken, add the steamed cauliflower, 6 slices of chopped bacon (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), 1 ¼ cups of cheese, and the ranch mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheese and the reserved bacon on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is warmed through.
- Broil (optional): For a golden-brown top, broil for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side can elevate your meal. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for added crunch. For a low-carb twist, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a base to soak up the creamy ranch flavors.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is a great make-ahead meal! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For best results, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize this casserole to suit your taste! Swap chicken for ground turkey or shredded pork for a different protein. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, try chopped broccoli or zucchini instead. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped bacon to cut down on prep. You can also buy steamed cauliflower florets from the freezer section for convenience. If you’re making this ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and simply bake it when ready to serve.
Kitchen Essentials: Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, a 9×13-inch baking dish is essential for even cooking. A cast-iron skillet works great for browning the chicken, but any non-stick pan will do. Don’t forget a mixing bowl for combining ingredients and a whisk to blend the ranch mixture smoothly. A broiler-safe dish is ideal if you want that golden, crispy cheese topping!
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast cubed (or shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken)
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoon ranch seasoning, salad dressing mix 1 oz
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cauliflower florets ½ head, steamed
- 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped, divided
- 2 cups cheddar jack cheese divided
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Melt butter in a skillet set over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Meanwhile, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper into the bowl of cream until well mixed; set aside.
- To the bowl with the chicken, add cauliflower, bacon (reserve 2T for the top), 1 ¼ cups cheese, and ranch mixture, stirring until well combined. Add mixture to 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with reserved bacon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted on top and the casserole is warmed through.
- Broil for 2 more minutes to brown cheese, if desired. Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley and serve.